What Are the Dangers of Acidic Foods to Your Oral Health?

Posted March 28, 2017.

Foods with high acidity can eat away at your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay and cavities. This process is known as dental erosion. Tooth erosion can also be caused by acids from your stomach that enter your mouth via ailments such as vomiting and acid reflux disease. If your tooth enamel is damaged and the acids are left unchecked, it could eventually lead to the loss of teeth.

The foods and drinks you consume can be acidic. Some of the biggest offenders include acidic drinks such as juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Citrus foods also have a high acidity and can damage your teeth. Avoid foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugars. Bacteria within your mouth can convert these sugars into harmful acids. In addition, sour sweets tend to have very low pH levels, with some of the highest amounts of acidity found in foods or drinks.

A good way to lower the acidic properties of these substances is to never eat or drink them alone, but always with a large meal to help neutralize their acidic content. Also, never brush your teeth after eating acidic meals as the toothpaste can be abrasive to teeth that are extra sensitive due to acidic exposure. Instead, try chewing sugarless gum to help promote saliva production within your mouth.

If you would like Dr. Patrick L. Huston, DDS, MSD and our team at OC Advanced Periodontics to bring you in for an oral exam or professional cleaning, please contact our dentist office in Tustin, California, by calling us at 714-795-3117. Have a fantastic day!